Manchester United 2-0 West Brom | Match Report

Jesse Lingard scores his first goal for Manchester United helping them toward all three points.

The Red Devils score two goals and keep another clean sheet as they continue push for a title challenge.

During the first half United created some decent chances with the first one coming in the 12th minute. Following a patient build up, Michael Carrick showed great vision to place a firm pass through the middle to Wayne Rooney. The United captain was unable to control the ball comfortably and hit his volley up into the stands.

Juan Mata came close just a few minutes later when Wayne Rooney directed a pass into him. Mata hit his shot first time, curling the ball just wide of the far post.

Former Manchester United defender, Johnny Evans, came to West Brom’s rescue in the 41st minute by reading the game well to prevent Lingard from scoring. Anthony Martial played Jesse Lingard in down the left side of the box. As Lingard struck the ball, Evans was in quick to immediately block the shot.

Just before half time, West Brom goalkeeper, Myhill, was called into action to stop an Anthony Martial shot. The United attacker brought the ball down and span his defender but his shot was hit directly at Myhill.

At half time you would have been forgiven for thinking the game was destined for yet another goalless draw. But just 5 minutes in Jesse Lingard punished some lacklustre defending with a fantastic goal. West Brom defender Chris Brunt’s looping defensive header fell to Lingard who controlled the ball perfectly. With a little bit of time he shaped him self up to curl a well placed shot into the far bottom corner. Myhill had no chance.

The introduction of Saido Berahino and Ricky Lambert seemed to lift West Brom as they began to attack searching for an equaliser with 20 minutes still to go.

They had two great chances to draw level but Darren Fletcher, another former United player, couldn’t get his header from a free kick on target and Berahino missed an almost open goal watching his close range header sail over the bar.

Saido Berahino looks on as he heads over from six yards (Source: Guardian)

Manchester United had a couple more chances to extend their lead with Lingard and Mata in the 73rd and 85th minutes respectively, both trying but failing to hit the target.

In the 91st minute United were able to seal the three points when Anthony Martial was brought down in the box by last man McAuley. Juan Mata stepped up and placed his penalty down the middle. McAuley was red carded as a result of his challenge on Martial.

Over the last two games we have seen an improvement in United’s attacking play. There has been a lot more movement around the box and more chances are being created. But giving the opposition goalkeeper work to do is still something the red devils need to improve on. Today’s game is no exception. Most of Manchester United’s attempts we’re either off target or could not beat the Baggies defence.

The win today keeps Manchester United in 4th place, a point behind Manchester City and Arsenal, who are both yet to play.

What did you think of the game? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or you can visit The United Stand Fan Forum here to join the post match discussion.

You can also watch the Manchester United V West Brom match reaction on The United Stand’s YouTube channel by clicking here. Or by watching below.